World Malaria Day: SUNU Health Unveils Strategic Roadmap to Achieve Malaria-Free Nigeria

World Malaria Day: SUNU Health Unveils Strategic Roadmap to Achieve Malaria-Free Nigeria

LAGOS, NIGERIA — SUNU Health Nigeria Limited has launched a comprehensive strategic roadmap aimed at eliminating malaria in Nigeria, positioning the initiative as a major contribution to the 2026 observance of World Malaria Day.

The Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), which operates under the SUNU Group with a footprint across 17 African countries, said the roadmap reflects its broader commitment to advancing sustainable healthcare delivery and improving national health outcomes.

Central to the strategy is a shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. The company emphasized that consistent adoption of preventive measures—such as environmental sanitation and the use of treated mosquito nets—can significantly reduce malaria transmission and ease the country’s long-standing disease burden.

Chief Operating Officer of SUNU Health, Faith Nwachi, stressed the importance of collective responsibility in tackling malaria, noting that eradication is achievable through coordinated action among stakeholders. She highlighted that existing tools and interventions, if properly utilized, can drive meaningful progress.

The initiative comes against the backdrop of rising malaria cases in Nigeria. Data from late 2025 indicated over 24.5 million confirmed cases within the first nine months, while the disease continues to account for about 30 percent of child mortality and 11 percent of maternal deaths annually. According to the World Health Organization, malaria also contributes to nearly 30 percent of hospital admissions in the country.

SUNU Health noted that beyond its health implications, malaria poses a significant economic challenge. The cost of treatment and lost productivity runs into billions of naira annually, placing a heavy financial strain on households and the broader economy.

To address this, the organization is promoting increased enrollment in health insurance schemes, arguing that managed care systems can improve access to preventive services while reducing out-of-pocket expenses for families.

As implementation begins, SUNU Health is calling on government agencies, private sector players, and individuals to adopt preventive practices and support policies that prioritize public health. The company reaffirmed its commitment to partnerships and innovation as it works toward a future where malaria no longer poses a threat to Nigeria’s development.